Sheriff discusses fire recovery efforts and community support in Cleveland

Bradley County officials are making significant strides in recovery efforts following a recent kitchen fire that caused extensive damage. During a recent county commission work session, Sheriff Steve Lawson provided an update on the situation, highlighting the swift response from local businesses and the ongoing restoration process.

The fire, which occurred unexpectedly, prompted immediate action from emergency services and insurance representatives. Mayor Davis and Sheriff Lawson were on-site shortly after the incident, coordinating with insurance adjusters and restoration contractors. Servpro, a restoration company from Middle Tennessee, has been engaged to handle the cleanup and repairs, with work already underway.

Sheriff Lawson reported that the kitchen is expected to be out of service for approximately six to eight weeks. In the meantime, the county's food service team is adapting by preparing meals, including hamburgers, hot dogs, and chicken sandwiches, to ensure that the needs of the community are met during this challenging time.

Local businesses stepped up to support the recovery efforts. Food City provided essential supplies, including cereal and fresh fruit, to help feed those affected. Additionally, Mayfield Dairy responded promptly to requests for milk, ensuring that the first meal after the fire was successfully served.

While the total damage from the fire has yet to be assessed, officials are optimistic about the long-term benefits of the renovations, which will ultimately lead to an updated kitchen facility. The community's resilience and support during this incident have been commendable, and officials are committed to moving forward as quickly as possible to restore full services.